Training course

Child Care Advocacy Workshop

This course is suitable for all advocates who wish to have a better understanding of the role of the advocate in Public Law proceedings in the Family Courts; and those who wish to improve their confidence and skill as effective trial advocates.

Level

Beginner and intermediate. However, this course is also suitable for those advanced advocates who wish to refresh their knowledge and boost their confidence.

Course Content

Councils are responsible for the protection of children, not only by way of the provision of services but also by means of Court Orders which regulate the care given to the child including where the child will live. Applications for such Court Orders (principally Care Orders) have, in the past, been outsourced to independent solicitors or Counsel. However, it is now the case that most Councils expect their “in house” lawyers to make the applications and conduct the Court proceedings themselves.

This practical course is designed to improve the confidence and skills of “in house” advocates and includes:

Basic rules of evidence and procedure in the Family Courts.

Preparation for trial

Opening the case

Calling Evidence in Chief.

The theory of cross examination

The preparation of Cross Examination schedules

Dealing with experts

Using a realistic case study, each participant will be able to practice in these areas and be assessed and coached by an experienced professional.

Programme

Morning

The purpose and presentation of an opening note

The drafting of the Threshold Criteria

The calling of live witnesses

Dealing with robing room negotiation (or bullying)

The impact of a judicial “indication”

How to deal with evidence-in-chief

Afternoon

Objectives of cross-examination

It’s limits

The questions

Tactical considerations

The cross-examination of experts

Case study plus your chance to practice in a friendly environment!

Continuing Competencies

This course will cover the following aspects of the SRA’s Statement of solicitor competence:

A1 Act honestly and with integrity in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements.